The Neighborhood (CD - 1990)

Los Lobos: David K. Hidalgo (vocals, guitar, requinto jarocho, tiple, accordion, bass, bajo-sexto, violin, hawaiian steel guitar, koto guitar, drums, percussion); Cesar J. Rosas (vocals, guitar, bajo-sexto, huapanguera); Steven M. Berlin (saxophone, keyboards, clavinet, percussion); Conrad R. Lozano (bass, guitarron, vocals); Louis F. Perez, Jr. (drums, percussion, guitar, jarana, hidalguera).

Additional personnel: John Hiatt (vocals); Levon Helm (vocals, mandolin); Mitchell Froom (harmonium); Danny Timms (piano, organ, Wurlitzer); Jim Keltner (drums, percussion); Jerry Marotta (drums); Alex Acuna (hand drums, shekere, percussion).

After the hugely successful LA BAMBA soundtrack, Los Lobos followed-up in 1988 with the gorgeous acoustic album (sung entirely in Spanish) LA PISTOLA Y EL CORAZON. 1990 found Los Lobos reinvigorating themselves with this set which presents the varied faces of rock, blues, boogie and even country. As always the songwriting is rich, with a powerful sense of place and community. A natural ease pervades the entire album, bringing to mind a sort of Mexican-American version of The Band (whose drummer, Levon Helm sings on a couple songs).

There are tender, quiet moments ("Little John of God") and hopped-up rockers ("Jenny's Got A Pony"), all played with verve. The musicianship is stellar throughout with the soloing always integral to the spirit of the song, and always free of any needless grandstanding. Well over ten years into their career at the release of this record, Los Lobos again prove themselves to be a national treasure. minimize